Section 127.887 - Introduction to Aircraft Technology (One Credit), Adopted 2024(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.(c) Introduction. (1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.(2) The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster focuses on planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water and related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance. (3) Introduction to Aircraft Technology is designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft airframes, powerplants, and associated maintenance and repair practices. Maintenance and repair practices include knowledge of the general curriculum subjects, powerplant theory and maintenance, and the function, diagnosis, and service of airframe structures, airframe systems and components, and powerplant systems and components of aircraft. Industry-recognized professional licensures, certifications, and registrations are available for students who meet the requirements set forth by the accrediting organization.(4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.(5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.(d) Knowledge and skills. (1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to: (A) identify and compare employment opportunities, including entrepreneurship opportunities, and certification requirements for the field of aircraft maintenance and repair;(B) exhibit the ability to cooperate, contribute, and collaborate as a member of a team;(C) identify individual ethical and legal behavior standards according to professional and regulatory agencies;(D) research Federal Aviation Regulations and discuss the impact of the English language proficiency requirements as prescribed by the Federal Aviation Regulations;(E) identify and explain human factors that may impact health and safety in a worksite and how they are addressed by industry standards;(F) explain the role of human factors in maintaining health and safety in the workplace and demonstrate personal responsibility to maintain health and safety in the workplace;(G) identify and explain how employees' personal responsibility and other human factors, including personal attitudes, can affect the success and profitability of a workplace; (H) apply reasoning skills to a variety of simulated workplace situations to make ethical decisions;(I) identify industry standards for employee appearance and health habits;(J) demonstrate appropriate etiquette and behavior;(K) identify and demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills; and(L) identify and demonstrate effective listening skills.(2) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of aircraft maintenance and repair. The student is expected to: (A) demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with individuals from various cultures such as fellow workers, management, and customers;(B) identify requirements of work orders and technical documents for repairs;(C) locate and interpret documents, including schematics, charts, graphs, drawings, blueprints, wiring diagrams, service-repair manuals, service bulletins, type certificate data sheets, supplemental type certificates, airworthiness directives, federal aviation regulations, and advisory information;(D) demonstrate proficiency in metric and U.S. customary standard measurement systems;(E) perform precision measurements using engineering scales, dial calipers, and Vernier micrometers to determine if a component is within tolerance of specifications; and(F) use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to identify aircraft maintenance problems and recommend solutions.(3) The student demonstrates an awareness of aviation history. The student is expected to: (A) research and discuss the historical interest in flight;(B) describe early aircraft designs such as lighter-than-air or heavier-than-air designs;(C) research and describe the contributions of various pioneers in aviation history, including Charles Taylor;(D) identify driving forces that provide rapid advancements in aircraft design and performance; and(E) describe the contributions of aviation and aerospace to society.(4) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills for aircraft maintenance and repair, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) identify and locate aviation regulations prescribed by 14 Code of Federal Regulations Chapter I that govern mechanic privileges related to the construction, maintenance, and service of aircraft;(B) apply the principles of simple machines, basic aerodynamics, aircraft structures, and theory of flight to accomplish an assigned task;(C) identify aircraft categories such as airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air in federal aviation regulations;(D) explain the certification process, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen;(E) identify and compare airframe construction, including wood structures, metal tubular structures, fabric coverings, sheet metal, and composite structures, and basic repair methods and techniques;(F) identify and explain airframe systems and components, including landing gear, hydraulic power, cabin atmosphere control systems, and electrical systems;(G) describe aircraft reciprocating and turbine engine operating theory, functions, and basic repair methods and techniques;(H) identify and explain powerplant systems and components, including engine instruments, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and propellers;(I) explain common aircraft terminology and standard practices required to complete maintenance, modifications, and repairs;(J) identify necessary elements of logbook entries and critique sample logbook entries; and(K) describe inspections required to maintain compliance with airworthiness, safety, health, and environmental regulations.(5) The student understands the function and application of the tools, equipment, technologies, and preventative maintenance used in aircraft maintenance and repair. The student is expected to: (A) identify and demonstrate basic skills in safely using hand tools, power tools, and equipment commonly employed in the maintenance and repair of aircraft;(B) research and explain the proper handling and disposal of environmentally hazardous materials used in servicing aircraft;(C) research and describe the impact of new and emerging aircraft technologies; and(D) identify and examine the need for preventative maintenance procedures and practices.(6) The student uses regulatory and industry standards and demonstrates technical knowledge and skills of the trade, utilizing aircraft, aircraft training devices, or equivalent simulated situations. The student is expected to: (A) start and ground operate an aircraft or simulated aircraft using a high-fidelity flight simulator with a physical yoke and pedal device;(B) research and locate appropriate documentation to perform a function in a written work order and complete the required logbook entry;(C) draw top, side, and front views of various aircraft categories, including airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air;(D) perform basic airframe and engine inspections according to a checklist;(E) use an engine troubleshooting chart to show the results of simple defects on engine performance; and(F) discuss and describe preventative maintenance plans and systems to keep aircraft systems in operation.19 Tex. Admin. Code § 127.887
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 36, September 6, 2024, TexReg 7028, eff. 9/9/2024